New host record of microhabitat preferences of the Banggai cardinalfish (Pterapogon kauderni) in the introduced habitat in Luwuk waters, Sulawesi

Abstract

Banggai cardinalfish Pterapogon kauderni is an endemic apogonid fish from Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi, which is discovered in strong association with black sea urchin (Diadema spp.). These fish also protected themselves from predators associated with sea anemones, hard coral branching, mushroom coral, soft coral, seagrass, and mangrove roots. The Banggai cardinalfish juveniles generally prefer to associate with sea anemones or mushroom corals as microhabitats. However, they are looking for similar microhabitats if they cannot find sea anemones or mushroom coral Heliofungia actiniformis. Microhabitat observation of Banggai cardinalfish was carried out in Luwuk waters, Banggai Regency. The result showed a new host record for juvenile phases of Banggai cardinalfish associated with upside-down jellyfish Cassiopea andromeda as a microhabitat. Further study is needed to represent areas and seasons to get more evidence between the Banggai cardinalfish and jellyfish association concepts.